Nissan Altima recalled over steering and suspension bolt problem

Nissan is recalling 13,919 copies of the Altima sedan from the 2012-2013 model years to fix improperly installed bolts on steering and suspension components. The recall covers Altimas built May 10 through July 26.

According to a National Highway Transportation Safety Administration report, power steering-rack bolts and transverse link bolts on the Altima may not have been torqued to proper specification. If the bolts fail, the driver could lose control of the car.

Dealers will tighten bolts accordingly. Nissan said the problem has not been the cause of any reported incidents.

This is not the first time the Altima has had trouble with improperly torqued suspension bolts. Last year, Nissan recalled roughly 20,000 Altima sedans over a similar transverse link bolt problem.

For more information, contact the NHTSA hotline at (888) 327-4236 or visit www.safercar.gov and search for “Nissan recall campaign No. 12V494000.”

By Graham Kozak